The Art Gallery of New South Wales is pleased to announce Aqualand Australia as the presenting partner for the inaugural exhibition The National: new Australian art from 30 March to 16 July 2017 at the Art Gallery of NSW. The six-year sponsorship is one of the Gallery’s most significant, importantly supporting new Australian art through this collaborative exhibition that explores the latest ideas and forms in contemporary Australian art, staged at the Art Gallery of NSW, Carriageworks and the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA).

Mr Jin Lin, Managing Director, Aqualand Australia, said, “We think differently at Aqualand to deliver more than what is expected. We believe there’s a strong connection between creativity and engaged, vibrant communities, so supporting local talent and the continued development of the Australian art scene is something we’re passionate about. We’re proud supporters of the Art Gallery of NSW, and as such, thrilled to be presenting partner for The National: new Australian art – such an exciting exhibition showcasing the work of Australian artists.”

John Richardson, Art Gallery NSW Director of Development, said the Gallery is most grateful to have Aqualand Australia’s sponsorship support for The National: New Australian Art.

“The Gallery’s partnership with Aqualand is very exciting and a natural fit because both organisations share many of the same values, including a passion for cultural excellence and a strong emphasis on building solid relationships with their communities,” Richardson said.

“Aqualand’s support for the next six years assists the Gallery to stage The National: new Australian art as a free exhibition and enables the development of new Australian art – which directly benefits Australian artists, and audiences interested in Australia’s exciting contemporary art scene,” Richardson said.

In 2016 the Gallery welcomed Aqualand as the presenting partner of Tang: treasures from the Silk Road capital. This foundational year of partnership saw Aqualand and the Gallery forge strong ties around the high-quality presentation of art exhibitions while making art accessible to wide and diverse audiences.

The National: new Australian art will take place over a six-year period, with three editions presented in 2017, 2019 and 2021. The exhibition will present NSW artists with their national peers, bringing the best contemporary work from across the country to Sydney, increasing the profile of Australian arts practice both locally and internationally.